Doug Daigneault

Doug Daigneault was born in Valleyfield, Quebec and played his college football at prestigious Clemson University in the States. While with the Tigers, Daigneault played in three bowl games. Daigneault played in the Orange Bowl in 1956 (actually, the game was played January 1, 1957), though Clemson lost 27-21 to Colorado. In 1958 (game played January 1, 1959) Daigneault and Clemson lost in the Sugar Bowl to LSU 7-0. The third time was the charm as Daignault was part of the Clemson Tigers team that won the first ever Bluebonnet Bowl in 1959 (December 19) as they beat TCU 23-7. The tradition of playing in big games continued for Daigneault in 1960 as he joined the Ottawa Rough Riders and was with them when they won the Grey Cup that year. Daigneault spent three years in the nation's capital from 1960 to 1962, playing both offensive and defensive back, but seeing the majority of his action on defense. In his rookie season with Ottawa, Daigneault had one rushing carry, three pass receptions and his first career interception. In his second year in 1961, Daigneault had a very good season, recording five interceptions. It was also the year Daigneault saw the most action on offense, with 14 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown. Injuries limited Daigneault to only six games for Ottawa in 1962, and he played just four games for Ottawa in 1963 before being traded out West to Winnipeg where he finished the season. While with the Bombers, Daignault added his seventh career interception. Daigneault returned to the East with the Montreal Alouettes and played all 14 games in both seasons (1964 & 1965) with the Als. In his final season in 1965, Daignault added another interception which he returned 46 yards and a fumble recovery. After retiring from football, Daigneault went on to become Basketall coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Loyola College (later Concordia). Daigneault won the coach of the year award in the Quebec conference in the 1984-85 season. Daigneault was also active in the Montreal Alouette Alumni Association. Athletic talent apparently runs in the Daigneault family as two of his children, daughter Julie Daigneault and son Robbie Braknis, represented Canada at the Olympics in swimming. Daigneault maintains at least one connection to the present day Montreal Alouettes, as his niece married Alouette star center Bryan Chiu. Doug Daigneault currently resides in Chateauguay, Quebec.